Clifford back to work after arrest

PR guru Max Clifford has said he would try to continue to lead a normal life after being arrested by detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal, describing the allegations as "totally untrue".

The publicist was questioned on suspicion of sexual offences as part of Operation Yewtree, the investigation into allegations of sex abuse surrounding Savile and others.

Speaking to reporters outside his Surrey home, Mr Clifford said: "I'll be working as I normally do - so trying to make things as normal as I possibly can under the circumstances.

"All I can say is that they are totally without any foundation and they are totally untrue."

Mr Clifford said he had "nothing to hide".

Asked about the statement he made outside Belgravia police station in central London after being released on bail at around 9.20pm on Thursday, he said: "I'd been been there about 12 hours sitting in the cells and being asked questions for hours and hours and hours. I wasn't exactly a bundle of joy, you know.

"I still came out and faced the cameras and spoke to everyone as I've got nothing to hide. I understand you have got a job to do because I have been involved for the last 45 years. It's a horrible thing to happen to anybody but I'm old enough and ugly enough to face it and sort it out, which is what I have got to do."

Mr Clifford, who was arrested at his home at 7.40am on Thursday, added: "The police have got to look into it. That's what they have to do and obviously I have to answer their questions and hopefully show clearly and conclusively to them and everybody else that there's absolutely no truth in it at all.

"It's extremely distressing, not only for myself but also for my wife Joan and my daughter Louise, for friends and family. It's horrible for them as well."

Mr Clifford said he thought he was facing two allegations dating back to 1977. Police said in a statement that a man from Surrey arrested on suspicion of sexual offences had been bailed to appear at a date later this month, adding: "We are not prepared to discuss further."